Northern and The Canal & River Trust have teamed up to bring large signs and handy maps of waterside walks which can be easily accessed by train.

The initiative aims to create a feel-good factor during the autumn and winter months by raising awareness of some of Yorkshire’s best waterside walks which can be reached easily by train.

The Canal & River Trust are the waterway and wellbeing charity that looks after a massive 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in both England and Wales.

Teaming up with train operator Northern to promote not just wonderful waterside walks but also walking routes, local landmarks and attractions across five train stations on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal those being, Saltaire, Shipley, Bingley, Skipton and Keighley.

Research carried out by the Trust shows that significant wellbeing benefits can be achieved by accessing blue and green spaces with time spent by water proven to make people happier and healthier.

The knock-on effect of these positive improvements to wellbeing can save the NHS £1 billion each year.

Nicola Christian, Business & Corporate Engagement Partner at Canal & River Trust said:

“Research shows that spending time by water helps us to relax and boost our ‘feel good’ factor. Canals and rivers are fantastic places to get away from life stresses, enjoy connecting with nature, and spending time with friends and family. The railway network offers the perfect opportunity to explore our 200-year old canals and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of being by water.

“On a visit to a canal you may have noticed that there is inevitably a railway close to hand. Many railways followed established canal routes to avoid the expensive construction of tunnels, bridges and aqueducts or viaducts. While often regarded historically as rivals, our partnership with Northern shows the ways these engineering feats complement one another, offering a greener way to travel.”

Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern said:

“It’s so easy to access our canals and rivers by train – but not that many people know just how easy it is.

“The new maps show off some of North Yorkshire’s best beauty spots and will inspire people to get outside and walk by the waterside.

“Our vision is to make a positive impact in the north of England and we are delighted to be working with the Canal & River Trust to encourage our customers to get outside, enjoy our waterways, and ‘go do their thing’.”

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